JP7408436B2 - Printing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing method in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions.

In a printing system that performs workflow processing, first, a computer called a front end (for example, a personal computer) uses DTP software or the like to perform editing processing using components that make up printed matter. Through the editing process, page data (for example, a Postscript file or a PDF file) in which the print target is described in a page description language or the like is created. Next, RIP processing (rasterization processing) is performed on the page data. Thereby, the page data is converted into print data that is bitmap format image data representing the image to be printed. The print data is then sent to a digital printing machine (for example, an inkjet printing device), and the digital printing machine performs printing based on the print data. Alternatively, a printing plate is produced by a plate making device using the print data, and printing is performed by a plate printing machine using the printing plate.

In such printing systems, the time required for RIP processing (hereinafter simply referred to as "RIP time") has traditionally been estimated for the purpose of efficiently using resources such as printing machines. There is. Furthermore, in recent years, software for simulating RIP processing (hereinafter referred to as "RIP simulation software") has been commercialized. In RIP simulation software, RIP processing is performed on page data in an environment (hereinafter referred to as a "simulation environment") that is different from the actual environment in which print output is actually executed. There is a correlation between the RIP speed in the real environment and the RIP speed in the simulation environment, and based on the correlation, the predicted RIP time in the real environment is determined from the RIP time in the simulation environment. In addition, typical RIP simulation software has a function that predicts ink consumption based on image data obtained from RIP processing in a simulated environment, and a function that allows users to predict the possibility of problems occurring during RIP processing in a real environment. A function is provided to analyze the internal data that constitutes the page data in order to present it to the user.

When a simulation is performed using conventional RIP simulation software, for example, there is a report called an "output prediction report" that describes the results related to RIP processing, and a "PDF analysis report" that describes the analysis results of the PDF file as page data. A report called is created. The output prediction report and PDF analysis report are created in PDF.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a RIP speed prediction page 900 that is part of an output prediction report. As shown in FIG. 27, the RIP speed prediction page 900 displays a predicted value of the RIP speed (predicted RIP speed) when RIP processing is performed in a real environment. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ink consumption prediction page 905 that is part of the output prediction report. As shown in FIG. 28, the ink consumption prediction page 905 displays predicted values of ink consumption for each ink color (each type of ink).

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a RIP time prediction graph 910 included in an output prediction report. The horizontal axis is the sheet number, and the vertical axis is the RIP time. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the predicted RIP time for each 750 sheets is represented by a line graph with reference numeral 911. Further, the RIP time corresponding to the printing speed when printing is actually executed is represented by a dotted line with reference numeral 912. If all the points on the line graph 911 are located in the area below the dotted line 912, it can be determined that the RIP process is reliably performed in time for the output operation of the printing press. On the other hand, if a point on the line graph 911 exists in an area above the dotted line 912, it is understood that there is a possibility that the RIP process will not be in time for the output operation of the printing press. Note that if there is a high possibility that the RIP process will not be in time for the output operation of the printing press, consideration may be given to performing the RIP process before the actual printout (pre-RIP) or lowering the printing speed.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a page 920 (hereinafter referred to as "analysis result page") that is part of a PDF analysis report and describes the analysis results of internal data constituting the PDF file. The analysis results page 920 describes the results of the items that had problems among the multiple analysis items. For example, the line labeled 921 indicates that a problem has occurred on the third page regarding the item specified by "Analysis number = 13". Further, for example, the line labeled 922 indicates that a problem has occurred in a total of 25 pages regarding the item specified by "Analysis number = 32". By the way, from the line with the reference numeral 922, it is not possible to determine specifically on which page the problem is occurring. Therefore, the PDF analysis report includes a page (hereinafter referred to as "detailed information page") that describes the correspondence between the analysis number and the page in which the problem occurs. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the detailed information page 930. For example, in the line labeled 931, the number of page 25 in which a problem occurred regarding the item specified by "Analysis number = 32" is written. The above-described PDF analysis report allows the user to understand what kind of problems may occur on which pages when RIP processing is performed in a real environment.

Incidentally, in printing operations, continuous printing of multiple page data is often performed. In continuous printing, RIP processing and print processing using print data obtained by the RIP processing are continuously performed on a plurality of page data. Conventionally, instructions to execute such continuous printing have been made by a user registering page data to be subjected to continuous printing from, for example, a controller screen of a printing press. Regarding this, if problematic page data is included in continuous printing, the continuous printing process may stop midway. Therefore, with reference to the above-mentioned output prediction report and PDF analysis report, problematic page data is excluded from continuous printing.

The following prior art documents are known in relation to the present invention. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-182875 discloses an invention of a print control device that can perform efficient scheduling. This print control device predicts the RIP time and print processing time of each of a plurality of jobs, and creates an optimal schedule for the plurality of jobs based on the prediction results, for example, so that the waiting time is minimized. Ru. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-43123 discloses an invention of a processing order determining device that determines a processing order for processing a plurality of jobs by a delivery date. In this processing order determining device, the remaining period is calculated for each of the plurality of jobs based on the period until the delivery date and the predicted processing period, and the order of the jobs to be processed is determined in descending order of the remaining period.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-182875 JP2012-43123A

For example, a printing company that produces a large amount of print output uses multiple printing machines. RIP simulation software is installed on a server connected to a printing press, but in a printing system consisting of a plurality of printing presses, it is necessary to install RIP simulation software on the same number of servers as the number of printing presses. That is, RIP simulation software is installed in the server corresponding to each printing press. Therefore, if continuous printing of a large amount of page data is to be executed by distributing it to a plurality of printing machines, it is necessary to consider the results of simulation of RIP processing on each server.

Incidentally, regardless of whether a printing system is configured with a plurality of printing machines or not, each printing machine generally performs print output while switching between a plurality of conditions. For example, paper size, resolution, printing speed, etc. can be switched depending on the printing target. Note that if the printing system is composed of a plurality of printing presses, it is necessary to distinguish between the plurality of printing presses. Therefore, in this specification, a combination of conditions related to printing capability, printing quality, printing productivity, etc., such as a printing machine, paper size, resolution, and printing speed, is referred to as "printing conditions."

Customers who request printing from a printing company have various requests regarding printing. Therefore, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, it is necessary to consider the requests of the customers when determining the processing order. Furthermore, as described above, when attempting to print a large amount of page data continuously over multiple printing machines, it is necessary to consider the simulation results of each server. Regarding this, simulation results are obtained for each printing condition, so even if only one printing machine is used, if multiple printing conditions are used, each page data can be It is necessary to consider multiple corresponding simulation results. From the above, it is necessary to consider a large amount of information in order to determine the processing order for continuous printing so that the customer's needs are met. Therefore, in conventional printing systems, it is difficult to determine a suitable processing order for continuous printing.

Therefore, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, the present invention provides continuous printing in a suitable order that satisfies the needs of each customer (person requesting printing from a printing company). The aim is to achieve this without any burden on the workers.

A first invention is a printing method in a printing system that continuously prints a plurality of page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
a record sorting step of sorting the records registered in the continuous print list;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step of executing continuous printing processing including printing processing that has been performed ;
In the RIP simulation step, a RIP speed is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
In the record sorting step, the continuous printing process for the group of page data in the continuous printing execution step is performed in order of decreasing RIP speed, or the continuous printing process for the group of page data is performed based on the average RIP speed. It is characterized in that the sorting is performed based on the RIP speed corresponding to each record so that the RIP speed that is closer to the average RIP speed is performed first and the one that is farther from the average RIP speed is performed later .
The second invention is, in the first invention,
In the target data sorting step, a continuous print list to which the record is to be registered is determined from among continuous print lists corresponding to printing conditions that provide a RIP speed higher than a print speed.
A third invention is a printing method in a printing system that continuously prints a plurality of page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step that executes continuous printing processing including printed printing processing;
including;
In the RIP simulation step, a RIP speed is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
In the target data sorting step, a continuous print list to which the record is to be registered is determined from among continuous print lists corresponding to printing conditions that provide a RIP speed higher than a print speed.

A fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions,
The target data distribution step is
a printing condition extraction step of extracting one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirement setting step from among the plurality of printing conditions;
The present invention is characterized by including a record registration step of registering the record in a continuous print list corresponding to one of the one or more printing conditions extracted in the printing condition extraction step.

A fifth invention is, in the fourth invention,
In the requirement setting step, priority is set for the requirements,
If two or more printing conditions are extracted in the printing condition extraction step, the record registration step selects one or more continuous printing lists corresponding to the two or more printing conditions, taking into consideration the priority of the requirements. The present invention is characterized in that a continuous print list to which the record is registered is determined.

A sixth invention is any one of the first to fifth inventions,
In the RIP simulation step, the ink consumption amount for each ink color is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
In the requirement setting step, budget requirements are set as printing requirements,
In the target data distribution step, for each printing condition, the price and the requirement settings are calculated based on a predetermined coefficient for each ink color and the ink consumption amount for each ink color determined in the RIP simulation step. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the requirements set in the requirement setting step are met by comparing the budget set in the step.

A seventh invention is any one of the first to sixth inventions,
Schedule information for each printing condition is retained,
In the requirement setting step, requirements regarding delivery date are set as requirements regarding printing,
In the target data sorting step, it is determined whether or not each print condition satisfies the requirements set in the requirement setting step, based on the schedule information and the delivery date set in the requirement setting step. It is characterized by

An eighth invention is any one of the first to seventh inventions,
Regarding the target data in which an error occurred during the RIP processing simulation in the RIP simulation step, the record is not registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the printing condition in which the error occurred in the target data distribution step. It is characterized by the fact that there is no

A ninth invention is any one of the first to eighth inventions,
further comprising a page data analysis step of analyzing internal data constituting the target data,
For target data for which an abnormality in the internal data is discovered in the page data analysis step, the record is not registered in any continuous print list in the target data distribution step.

A tenth invention is any one of the first to ninth inventions,
The printing system includes a plurality of printing machines that perform the printing process, a plurality of RIP servers that are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of printing machines and perform the RIP process, and a RIP process that performs the RIP process on the target data. Includes one simulation server that performs simulation,
The present invention is characterized in that the one simulation server generates a continuous print list corresponding to each printing condition for each printing machine.

The eleventh invention is the tenth invention,
The one simulation server is connected to an external terminal via the Internet,
Specifying page data in the page data specifying step and setting requirements in the requirement setting step are performed on the external terminal,
In the target data distribution step,
one or more pieces of delivery information for respectively specifying one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirements setting step are presented on the external terminal in a selectable manner;
The present invention is characterized in that the record is registered in a continuous print list corresponding to printing conditions specified by delivery information selected by the external terminal.
A twelfth invention is a printing method in a printing system that continuously prints a plurality of page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step that executes continuous printing processing including printed printing processing;
including;
The printing system includes a simulation server that performs a simulation of RIP processing on the target data,
The simulation server is connected to an external terminal via the Internet,
Specifying page data in the page data specifying step and setting requirements in the requirement setting step are performed on the external terminal,
In the target data distribution step,
one or more pieces of delivery information for respectively specifying one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirements setting step are presented on the external terminal in a selectable manner;
The record is registered in a continuous print list corresponding to printing conditions specified by delivery information selected on the external terminal,
The delivery information includes a price and a date on which printed matter is provided.

According to the first invention, it is possible to set requirements (customer requests) regarding printing of page data (target data) designated as a target for continuous printing before executing continuous printing processing. There is. A simulation of RIP processing is performed on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions. Then, printing conditions are determined based on the simulation results so that the set requirements are met, and a record specifying the target data is registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the printing conditions. That is, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, it is possible to perform printing processing under the optimal printing conditions for each page data, taking into consideration the simulation results, the operating status of the printing press, and the like. As described above, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, continuous printing in a suitable order that meets the needs of each customer can be realized without burdening the user.
In addition, since continuous printing processing for multiple page data is performed in the order of the lowest RIP speed (or starting from the one closest to the average RIP speed), for example, the occurrence of spool shortage is suppressed, and the continuous printing process is stabilized. Improves sex.
According to the second invention, continuous printing processing is prevented from stopping midway due to low RIP speed.
According to the third invention, it is possible to set requirements (customer requests) regarding printing of page data (target data) designated as a target for continuous printing before executing continuous printing processing. . A simulation of RIP processing is performed on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions. Then, printing conditions are determined based on the simulation results so that the set requirements are met, and a record specifying the target data is registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the printing conditions. That is, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, it is possible to perform printing processing under the optimal printing conditions for each page data, taking into consideration the simulation results, the operating status of the printing press, and the like. As described above, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, continuous printing in a suitable order that meets the needs of each customer can be realized without burdening the user.
Further, continuous printing processing is prevented from stopping midway due to low RIP speed.

According to the fourth invention, the same effects as the third invention can be obtained.

According to the fifth invention, when there are a plurality of printing conditions that satisfy the set requirements, the optimum printing conditions are selected in consideration of the priority.

According to the sixth invention, it is possible to determine the printing conditions used for printing so that the customer's budget requirements are met.

According to the seventh invention, it is possible to determine the printing conditions used for printing so that the customer's requirements regarding the delivery date are met.

According to the eighth invention, target data in which an error occurs during simulation of RIP processing under certain printing conditions is excluded from continuous printing under the printing conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the continuous printing process from stopping midway due to an error in the RIP process.

According to the ninth invention, target data with an abnormality in internal data is excluded from continuous printing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the continuous printing process from stopping midway due to an abnormality in the internal data.

According to the tenth invention, since only one simulation server is provided for a plurality of printing machines, the cost is significantly reduced compared to the conventional method.

According to the eleventh invention, the same effects as the tenth invention can be obtained.
According to the twelfth invention, it is possible to set requirements (customer requests) regarding printing of page data (target data) designated for continuous printing before executing the continuous printing process. There is. A simulation of RIP processing is performed on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions. Then, printing conditions are determined based on the simulation results so that the set requirements are met, and a record specifying the target data is registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the printing conditions. That is, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, it is possible to perform printing processing under the optimal printing conditions for each page data, taking into consideration the simulation results, the operating status of the printing press, and the like. As described above, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, continuous printing in a suitable order that meets the needs of each customer can be realized without burdening the user.
Further, even when so-called "Web to Print" is adopted, continuous printing in a suitable order that satisfies the needs of each customer can be realized without any burden on the user.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control server in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by RIP simulation software in the control server in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a continuous print list in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the continuous print list in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining distribution processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing contents held in a result database in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table holding information on coefficients for each ink color for price calculation in the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the entire processing procedure from specifying a PDF file to be subjected to continuous printing to executing continuous printing in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output prediction report in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a RIP prediction screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining rearrangement of print target specific records in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining rearrangement of print target specific records in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a detailed procedure of distribution processing in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining filtering based on RIP speed in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining price calculation in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining filtering based on price in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining filtering based on delivery date in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining filtering based on delivery date in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining registration (addition) of a print target specific record to the continuous print list in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining registration (addition) of a print target specific record to the continuous print list in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure from submission of page data to registration of a print target specific record in a continuous print list in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a requirement input screen in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an output destination selection screen in the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a RIP speed prediction page regarding a conventional example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ink consumption prediction page regarding a conventional example. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a RIP time prediction graph included in an output prediction report regarding a conventional example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result page regarding a conventional example. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed information page regarding a conventional example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. First embodiment>
<1.1 Overall configuration of printing system>
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This printing system includes a control server 100, three execution servers 200(1) to 200(3), and three inkjet printing devices 300(1) to 300(3). The control server 100, the execution servers 200(1) to 200(3), and the inkjet printing devices 300(1) to 300(3) are communicably connected to each other via a communication line 400. Note that the number of execution servers 200 and inkjet printing devices 300 is not particularly limited, and the number of execution servers 200 and inkjet printing devices 300 may be one each.

The control server 100 controls the entire printing process in this printing system. RIP simulation software (RIP simulation program) is installed in the control server 100. That is, the control server 100 functions as a simulation server, and RIP processing is performed by the control server 100 at the simulation stage before print output is actually executed. The execution servers 200(1) to 200(3) and the inkjet printing devices 300(1) to 300(3) have a one-to-one correspondence. The execution servers 200(1) to 200(3) perform RIP processing on page data to be printed when the inkjet printing devices 300(1) to 300(3) actually perform print output. That is, the execution servers 200(1) to 200(3) function as RIP servers. The inkjet printing devices 300(1) to 300(3) perform printout based on print data (bitmap format image data obtained by RIP processing) that is digital data without using a printing plate.

Each inkjet printing device 300 includes a printing press main body and a controller that controls the printing press main body. Note that, regarding the printing press main body of each inkjet printing apparatus 300, a printing press main body for printing on the front side of the sheet and a printing press main body for printing on the back side of the sheet may be provided. In this case, the control server 100 and the execution server 200 may also be separated into a server for the front side and a server for the back side. Further, execution of the RIP processing simulation may be controlled from the client personal computer connected to the communication line 400 to the control server 100.

By the way, in this embodiment, the RIP simulation software is provided with a function to create a continuous print list for performing continuous printing for each printing condition in each inkjet printing device 300, in addition to a function to simulate RIP processing. It is being However, the function of simulating RIP processing and the function of creating a continuous print list may be realized by different software (programs).

<1.2 Hardware configuration of control server>
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control server 100 in this embodiment. This control server 100 is realized by a personal computer, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an auxiliary storage device 14, an input operation means 15, a display section 16, an optical disk drive 17, a network interface section 18, and have. The auxiliary storage device 14 stores a RIP simulation program 141 for simulating RIP processing and creating a continuous print list. Further, the auxiliary storage device 14 is provided with a result database 142 that stores result data of simulation of RIP processing. Further, the auxiliary storage device 14 also stores a continuous print list and submitted data sent via the communication line 400.

As described above, the RIP simulation program 141 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 14. When the control server 100 receives an instruction to start the RIP simulation software, the RIP simulation program 141 is read into the RAM 13, and the CPU 11 executes the RIP simulation program 141 read into the RAM 13. In this way, control server 100 functions as a simulation server. That is, in the control server 100, a simulation of RIP processing is executed. The RIP simulation program 141 is provided stored in a computer-readable recording medium (non-transitory recording medium) such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. That is, the user, for example, purchases an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) 170 as a recording medium for the RIP simulation program 141, loads it into the optical disk drive 17, and downloads the RIP simulation program 141 from the optical disk 170. It is read out and installed in the auxiliary storage device 14. Alternatively, the RIP simulation program 141 sent via the communication line 400 may be received by the network interface unit 18 and installed in the auxiliary storage device 14.

<1.3 Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration realized by RIP simulation software in the control server 100. This control server 100 functionally includes a page data storage means 51, a page data designation means 52, a PDF analysis means 53, a RIP speed prediction means 54, an ink consumption amount prediction means 55, and a result display control means. 56, requirement setting means 57, target data distribution means 58, continuous print list storage means 59, record sorting means 60, result data storage means (result database) 142, and display section 16. There is. Note that the page data storage means 51 and the continuous print list storage means 59 are realized by the auxiliary storage device 14 as hardware.

The page data storage means 51 holds submitted data which is page data consisting of a plurality of pages. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the submitted data is a PDF file. Therefore, the page data storage means 51 holds a PDF file. Note that this page data storage means 51 may be provided in a device different from the control server 100.

The page data specifying means 52 specifies a PDF file to be processed from among the PDF files held in the page data storage means 51. Specifically, the user uses the page data specifying means 52 to specify a PDF file to be continuously printed.

The PDF analysis means 53 analyzes internal data that constitutes the PDF file (hereinafter referred to as "target data") designated by the page data designation means 52. The internal data is analyzed by the PDF analysis means 53 regarding a plurality of items (analysis items) related to RIP processing. Examples of analysis items include the following:
Example 1: Whether or not an image with a resolution higher than the specified resolution is used.Example 2: Whether there is any irregularity in the image data size.Example 3: Whether there is a font that has not been embedded.

The RIP speed prediction means 54 performs the RIP process on the target data in an environment different from the actual environment in which print output is actually executed, so that the RIP process is performed on the target data in the actual environment. Predict the RIP speed and RIP time for each sheet. In the present embodiment, the RIP speed prediction means 54 specifically performs RIP processing on target data in the control server 100, so that when the execution server 200 performs RIP processing on the target data, Predict the RIP speed and RIP time for each sheet. Note that the correspondence between sheets and pages when printing is actually executed is set in advance (that is, the imposition settings are set in advance), and the RIP processing by the RIP speed prediction means 54 is performed according to the corresponding relationship. This is done by considering the correspondence relationship.

The ink consumption amount prediction unit 55 predicts the ink consumption amount for each ink color (each type of ink) using the image data obtained by the RIP process by the RIP speed prediction unit 54 and taking printing conditions into consideration.

The result data storage means (result database) 142 stores the analysis results of internal data by the PDF analysis means 53 and the simulation results of the RIP process (the results of the RIP process by the RIP speed prediction means 54 and the ink consumption amount by the ink consumption prediction means 55). Prediction results) are retained.

The result display control means 56 controls the screen display of the internal data analysis result by the PDF analysis means 53 or the simulation result of the RIP process on the display unit 16 based on the user's operation using the input operation means 15.

The requirement setting unit 57 sets requirements regarding printing of the target data. Specifically, a screen for the user to input system conditions and customer conditions for each target data is prepared as the requirement setting means 57, and the requirements are set by the user's input operation. Examples of customer conditions include budget-related requirements, delivery date-related requirements, quality-related requirements, and the like. In addition, regarding this requirement setting means 57, it is preferable that the priority can be set when a plurality of customer conditions are input.

The target data distribution means 58 corresponds to one of a plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set by the requirement setting means 57 are satisfied based on the results held in the result data storage means (result database) 142. Register a record that specifies the target data in the continuous print list. This will be further explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the printing system includes three inkjet printing apparatuses 300(1) to 300(3). Here, it is assumed that device names "XA", "XB", and "YZ" are assigned to the three inkjet printing devices 300(1) to (3), respectively. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed here that each inkjet printing apparatus 300 only switches the paper size as the switching of conditions during print output. Regarding this, it is assumed that each inkjet printing apparatus 300 has a paper size specified by the name "P1" and a paper size specified by the name "P2". As described above, in the printing system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform printing processing under six printing conditions. Here, for example, the printing condition "Printing is performed using the paper size specified by the name "P1" with the inkjet printing device 300 assigned the device name "XA"" is expressed as "XA (P1)". .

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to perform printing processing under six printing conditions. Continuous printing is performed for each printing condition. In order to enable continuous printing for each printing condition, continuous printing consists of a list of records (hereinafter referred to as "print target specific records") that specify PDF files to be continuously printed for each printing condition. A list will be prepared. In this embodiment, six consecutive print lists are prepared. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a continuous print list. As can be understood from FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the file name of the PDF file to be continuously printed is registered in the continuous print list as a print target specific record.

Note that a continuous print list may be prepared for each device rather than for each printing condition. In this case, the continuous print list also holds information on printing conditions corresponding to each PDF file. That is, the continuous print list in this case is as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

For example, if there are three PDF files that you want to add as targets for continuous printing, based on the results held in the result data storage means (result database) 142, as schematically shown in FIG. The file name of each PDF file is added (registered) as a print target specific record to the continuous print list corresponding to the printing conditions that best match the printing requirements of each PDF file. Hereinafter, the process performed by the target data distribution means 58 will be referred to as "distribution process."

Continuous print list storage means 59 holds a continuous print list. The record sorting means 60 sorts the print target specific records registered in the continuous print list according to a predetermined rule. As will be described later, in this embodiment, a requirement is set as a system requirement that continuous printing processing be performed in order of decreasing RIP speed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the record sorting means 60 corresponds to each printing target specific record so that the continuous printing process for a group of PDF files registered in the continuous printing list is performed in order of decreasing RIP speed. The plurality of print target specific records are rearranged based on the RIP speed. Note that multiple print target specific records are rearranged so that continuous printing processing for a group of PDF files is performed first with those that are closer to the average RIP speed, and those that are farther from the average RIP speed are performed later. You can also let it happen.

<1.4 Data required for distribution processing>
Here, data required for the distribution process by the target data distribution means 58 will be explained. The distribution process needs to be performed in consideration of the simulation results of the RIP process. Therefore, the simulation results held in the results database 142 are necessary. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the contents held in the result database 142. As understood from FIG. 7, simulation results such as ink consumption and RIP speed are held for each printing condition for each PDF file. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to set a delivery date as a customer condition. Therefore, it is necessary to know the possible delivery dates for each printing condition. Incidentally, the schedule for each printing condition in each inkjet printing apparatus 300 is managed by a process management system. Therefore, in this embodiment, schedule information for each printing condition can be acquired from the process management system and held. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to set a budget (upper limit of price) as a customer condition. Therefore, it is necessary to find the price under each printing condition. Since the price can be determined based on the ink consumption amount for each ink color, in this embodiment, a table as shown in FIG. 8 that holds information on coefficients for each ink color for price calculation is prepared in advance. Ru.

<1.5 Processing procedure>
The processing procedure in this embodiment will be described below.

<1.5.1 Overall>
First, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the entire processing procedure from designation of a PDF file to be subjected to continuous printing to execution of continuous printing will be explained. Regarding FIG. 9, the processing in steps S100 to S160 is performed on one PDF file, and the processing in steps S170 to S180 is performed after the processing in steps S100 to S160 is performed on a large number of PDF files. This process is performed for each continuous print list.

First, the user specifies a PDF file (page data) to be continuously printed using the page data specifying means 52 (step S100). Next, the user sets requirements regarding printing using the requirement setting means 57 (step S110). In this embodiment, in step S110, a budget and delivery date are set as customer conditions. Further, here, it is assumed that the requirement that continuous printing is performed in order of decreasing RIP speed is set as a system requirement in step S110.

Next, the PDF analysis means 53 analyzes the internal data that constitutes the target data (the PDF file specified in step S100) (step S120). Next, the RIP speed prediction unit 54 performs RIP processing on the target data in the control server 100, and predicts the RIP speed and RIP time for each sheet based on the result (step S130). Next, the ink consumption amount prediction unit 55 predicts the ink consumption amount for each ink color (step S140). The results obtained in steps S120 to S140 are stored in the result database 142. Note that the processes in steps S120 to S140 are performed for each printing condition. That is, the processes of steps S120 to S140 are repeated as many times as there are printing conditions prepared in the printing system. As described above, in the printing system according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform printing processing under six printing conditions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing of steps S120 to S140 is repeated six times.

Thereafter, the results obtained in steps S120 to S140 are displayed on the display unit 16 (step S150). However, if there is no need to visually check the analysis results of internal data or the simulation results of RIP processing, the process of step S150 may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the output prediction report 620 displayed on the display unit 16 in step S150. Note that in FIG. 10, attention is focused on a job that corresponds to one particular printing condition. The output prediction report 620 includes a basic information display field 625, a RIP speed prediction display field 626, an ink consumption prediction display field 627, and a printer information display field 628. The basic information display column 625 displays basic information regarding the corresponding job. The RIP speed prediction display field 626 displays the predicted value of the RIP speed (predicted RIP speed) when RIP processing is performed in the real environment (execution server 200), etc. based on the results of the processing by the RIP speed prediction means 54. has been done. The ink consumption prediction display field 627 displays predicted values of ink consumption for each ink color based on the results of processing by the ink consumption prediction means 55. The printer information display column 628 displays information regarding the printing machine corresponding to the relevant job.

Regarding the output prediction report 620, areas 621 to 624 can be selected (clicked) using the mouse as the input operation means 15. When the area 621 is selected, as shown in FIG. 10, the basic information display field 625, the RIP speed prediction display field 626, the ink consumption prediction display field 627, and the printer information display field 628 are all displayed. Ru. When area 622 is selected, only RIP speed prediction display field 626 is displayed. When area 623 is selected, only ink consumption prediction display field 627 is displayed. When area 624 is selected, only printer information display field 628 is displayed. Note that the basic information display field 625 may also be displayed when the areas 622 to 624 are selected.

As shown in FIG. 10, the RIP speed prediction display field 626 of the output prediction report 620 is provided with two buttons 65 and 66 for displaying a RIP time prediction graph (simulation graph). These two buttons 65 and 66 can be selected (clicked) using a mouse. When button 65 is selected by the mouse, a RIP time prediction graph for the surface of the sheet is displayed. When button 66 is selected with the mouse, a RIP time prediction graph for the back side of the sheet is displayed. By selecting the button 65 or 66, a RIP prediction screen including a RIP time prediction graph is displayed on the display unit 16.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the RIP prediction screen 630 displayed on the display unit 16 in step S150. As shown in FIG. 11, the RIP prediction screen 630 includes a RIP time prediction graph 631 in which the horizontal axis is the sheet number and the vertical axis is the RIP time, and a close button 632. The close button 632 can be selected (clicked) with a mouse, and when the close button 632 is selected, the RIP prediction screen 630 is hidden. Focusing on the RIP time prediction graph 631, the predicted value of the RIP time for each of 750 sheets (predicted RIP time) is represented by a line graph with reference numeral 633. Further, the RIP time corresponding to the printing speed when printing is actually executed is represented by a dotted line with reference numeral 634.

Further, in step S150, the analysis result of the internal data by the PDF analysis means 53 can also be displayed on the display unit 16. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result screen 640 showing the analysis results of internal data. The analysis result screen 640 displays problems regarding a certain sheet. More specifically, the analysis results screen 640 displays results (analysis results) for items that have problems with respect to the page included in the corresponding sheet number among a plurality of analysis items, arranged in order of importance.

After step S150 ends, a distribution process is performed by the target data distribution means 58 (step S160). The detailed procedure of step S160 will be described later.

The process of step S170 is typically performed immediately before the continuous printing process is executed. Immediately before the continuous printing process is executed, a plurality of print target specific records are registered in the continuous printing list. Regarding the continuous print list at that point, the plurality of print target specific records are not arranged in the order of processing. Therefore, in step S170, the record sorting means 60 sorts the print target specific records registered in the continuous print list. At this time, based on the above-mentioned system requirements, sorting is performed based on the RIP speed corresponding to each print target specific record so that continuous printing processing is performed in descending order of RIP speed.

Suppose that the RIP speed for each PDF file is as shown in FIG. 13, and the continuous print list before execution of the process in step S170 is as shown in the part labeled 71 in FIG. , the continuous print list after executing step S170 will be as shown in the part labeled 72 in FIG. As understood from FIG. 14, the printing target specific records are sorted in ascending order of RIP speed.

Finally, continuous printing processing is executed based on the continuous printing list after sorting in step S170 (step S180). More specifically, for a group of PDF files specified by print target specific records registered in the rearranged continuous print list, the execution server 200 performs RIP processing and its processing under the printing conditions corresponding to the continuous print list. Continuous printing processing including printing processing in the inkjet printing apparatus 300 using print data obtained through the RIP processing is executed.

In this embodiment, step S100 implements the page data specification step, step S110 implements the requirement setting step, step S120 implements the page data analysis step, and steps S130 and S140 implement the RIP simulation step. The target data sorting step is realized in step S160, the record sorting step is realized in step S170, and the continuous printing execution step is realized in step S180.

<1.5.2 Sorting process>
Next, an example of a detailed procedure of the distribution process (step S160 in FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the following two customer conditions have been set in step S110 of FIG. 9 as requirements for printing the PDF file (page data) of interest as target data. Note that the first customer condition has a higher priority than the second customer condition.
First customer condition: Budget is within 6,000 yen Second customer condition: Delivery date is December 25, 2019

Hereinafter, a set of printing conditions that are determined to be applicable to the printing process of the target data in the process of this distribution process will be referred to as a "distribution destination candidate." Further, it is assumed that the data that produces the result of the part labeled 73 in FIG. 7 is the target data here.

After starting the distribution process, first, filtering is performed based on the RIP speed (step S161). If the RIP speed is lower than the printing speed, there is a possibility that the RIP processing of the target data will not be in time for the output operation of the inkjet printing device 300. Therefore, in step S161, based on the simulation results, printing conditions that allow only a lower RIP speed than the printing speed to be obtained are excluded from the distribution destination candidates. In this example, the RIP speed for the printing condition "XB(P1)" is lower than the printing speed (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the printing condition "XB(P1)" is excluded from the distribution destination candidates. As a result, the list of destination candidates becomes as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, prices are calculated for each printing condition that remains as a candidate for distribution (step S162). In step S140 in FIG. 9, the ink consumption amount (predicted ink consumption amount) for each ink color is determined. Further, in this embodiment, coefficients for each ink color for price calculation are set in advance (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the predicted ink consumption amounts for B, C, M, and Y colors are B1, C1, M1, and Y1, respectively, and the coefficients for B, C, M, and Y colors are B2, C2, respectively. , M2, and Y2, the price P can be calculated using the following equation (1).
P=B1×B2+C1×C2+M1×M2+Y1×Y2...(1)
In this example, the prices for each printing condition are as shown in FIG. 17.

Next, filtering is performed based on the price calculated in step S162 (step S163). In this example, since the first customer condition is to keep the budget within 6,000 yen, printing conditions where the price exceeds 6,000 yen are excluded from the distribution destination candidates. Specifically, printing conditions "XB(P2)" and printing conditions "YZ(P2)" are excluded from the distribution destination candidates. As a result, the list of candidates for distribution becomes as shown in the part labeled 74 in FIG.

Next, filtering is performed based on the delivery date (step S164). In this regard, as described above, schedule information for each printing condition can be acquired from the process management system. Therefore, based on the schedule information, it is possible to determine the possible delivery date for each printing condition regarding the target data. Then, printing conditions whose delivery date does not meet the delivery date set in step S110 of FIG. 9 are excluded from the distribution destination candidates. Here, it is assumed that the possible delivery dates for each printing condition are as shown in FIG. 19. As described above, in this example, the delivery date is set as December 25, 2019 as the second customer condition, so the printing condition "XA (P2)" is excluded from the distribution destination candidates. As a result, the list of candidates for distribution becomes as shown in the part labeled 75 in FIG. 20.

Next, an optimal continuous print list is determined (step S165). Specifically, from among the continuous printing list corresponding to the printing conditions remaining as distribution destination candidates at the end of step S164, the optimum continuous printing is selected based on the priority for each requirement set in step S110 of FIG. A list is determined. In this example, since the budget-related requirements have the highest priority, the continuous print list corresponding to the printing condition "XA(P1)" with the lowest price is determined as the optimal continuous print list.

Finally, a print target specific record corresponding to the target data is registered (added) to the continuous print list determined in step S165 (step S166). In this example, if the continuous print list before the print target specific record is registered is as shown in FIG. 21, the continuous print list after the print target specific record is registered is as shown in FIG. 22. In FIG. 22, the record with reference numeral 77 is the added print target specifying record.

In the above example, steps S161 to S164 implement the printing condition extraction step, and steps S165 to S166 implement the record registration step.

<1.6 Effects>
According to this embodiment, a user can set customer conditions regarding budget, delivery date, quality, etc. for printing a PDF file (target data) designated as a target for continuous printing. A simulation of RIP processing is performed on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions. Then, the optimal printing conditions for the target data are determined based on the simulation results so that the set customer conditions are met, and a record that specifies the target data (print target specification record) is added to the continuous print list corresponding to the printing conditions. be registered. In other words, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, it is possible to execute printing processing under the optimal printing conditions for each PDF file by taking into account ink consumption, operating status of each inkjet printing device 300, etc. It becomes possible. Here, since the control server 100 determines the optimal printing conditions based on the simulation results, there is no burden on the user. As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, continuous printing in a suitable order that satisfies the needs of each customer can be realized without burdening the user. .

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print target specific records registered in the continuous print list are rearranged, so that continuous print processing is performed in order of decreasing RIP speed. Therefore, for example, the occurrence of spool shortage is suppressed, and the stability of continuous printing processing is improved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, only one control server 100 that performs RIP processing simulation is provided for a plurality of inkjet printing apparatuses 300. Conventionally, a simulation server was provided for each inkjet printing apparatus 300, so according to this embodiment, costs are significantly reduced compared to the conventional method.

<1.7 Modification example>
In continuous printing, a series of processes such as RIP processing and print processing using print data obtained by the RIP processing are continuously performed on a plurality of page data. However, if an error occurs during processing of certain page data, the continuous printing process stops midway. Therefore, page data that is likely to cause an error during continuous printing is preferably excluded from continuous printing. Therefore, as a modification of the above first embodiment, an example in which print target specific records are not registered in the continuous print list for page data that is likely to cause an error during continuous printing is described below. Describe it.

<1.7.1 First modification example>
In the first embodiment, the system requirement is that the continuous printing process be performed in descending order of RIP speed. In this modified example, as a system requirement, a PDF file whose RIP processing result (simulation result) under a certain printing condition has an error will not be subject to continuous printing under that printing condition. Requirements are set. Note that this requirement is set by the requirement setting means 57 (see FIG. 3) in step S100 of FIG.

By setting the above-mentioned requirements, in this modification, for a PDF file (target data) in which an error occurred during the RIP processing simulation, an error will be detected during the distribution processing (step S160 in FIG. 9). No print target specific record is registered for the continuous print list that corresponds to the printing condition in which this occurred.

For example, referring to the simulation results shown in FIG. 7, an error is included in the RIP processing result of the data labeled 76. In detail, there is no error for printing conditions "YZ (P1)" and printing conditions "YZ (P2)", but printing conditions "XA (P1)", printing conditions "XA (P2)", and printing conditions " An error has occurred for the print condition "XB(P1)" and the print condition "XB(P2)." In this example, at the beginning of the distribution process, printing conditions "YZ(P1)" and printing conditions "YZ(P2)" are included in the distribution destination candidates, but printing conditions "XA(P1)" and printing conditions "XA(P2)", printing condition "XB(P1)", and printing condition "XB(P2)" are excluded from the distribution destination candidates.

According to this modification, a PDF file in which an error occurs during simulation of RIP processing under certain printing conditions is excluded from continuous printing under the printing conditions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the continuous printing process from stopping midway due to an error in the RIP process.

<1.7.2 Second modification example>
In the first embodiment, the system requirement is that the continuous printing process be performed in descending order of RIP speed. In this modified example, a requirement is further set as a system requirement that PDF files with abnormal internal data are excluded from continuous printing. Note that this requirement is set by the requirement setting means 57 (see FIG. 3) in step S100 of FIG.

By setting the above-mentioned requirements, in this modification, the PDF file (target data) in which an abnormality in the internal data is found in the analysis of the internal data by the PDF analysis means 53 (step S120 in FIG. 9) In the distribution process (step S160 in FIG. 9), no print target specific record is registered for any continuous print list.

According to this modification, PDF files with abnormal internal data are excluded from continuous printing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the continuous printing process from stopping midway due to an abnormality in the internal data of the PDF file.

<2. Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This second embodiment assumes a case in which so-called "Web to Print" is adopted, in which page data submission and printing orders from customers are performed via the Internet. Hereinafter, mainly the points different from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

<2.1 Configuration>
FIG. 23 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing system in this embodiment. In addition to the components in the first embodiment, this printing system includes an external terminal 700 connected to the control server 100 via the Internet. Although a large number of external terminals 700 can be connected to the control server 100, only one external terminal 700 is shown in FIG.

As in the first embodiment, the control server 100 controls the entire printing process, and the execution servers 200(1) to 200(3) perform RIP on the page data to be printed when the printout is actually executed. The inkjet printing apparatuses 300(1) to 300(3) perform printout based on the print data (bitmap format image data obtained by RIP processing). Further, as in the first embodiment, RIP simulation software (RIP simulation program) is installed in the control server 100, and RIP processing is performed by the control server 100 at the simulation stage before print output is actually executed. be exposed.

In this printing system, a customer can submit page data to the control server 100 and order printing using a Web browser on the external terminal 700. Further, as will be described in detail later, the customer can set requirements regarding printing.

The functional configuration is almost the same as the first embodiment (see FIG. 3). However, the operations of the page data designation means 52, the requirement setting means 57, and the target data distribution means 58 are different from those in the first embodiment. This will be explained below.

The page data designation means 52 in this embodiment is realized by displaying a screen on the external terminal 700 for designating input data (PDF file to be processed). On this screen, the customer specifies submitted data. Submitted data (target data in this embodiment) specified by the customer on the external terminal 700 is sent to the control server 100 via the Internet.

The requirement setting means 57 in this embodiment is realized by displaying on the external terminal 700 a requirements input screen for the customer to input customer conditions. As in the first embodiment, the customer conditions include, for example, budget-related requirements, delivery date-related requirements, quality-related requirements, and the like. Information on the requirements set by the customer on the external terminal 700 is sent to the control server 100 via the Internet.

In this embodiment, the target data sorting means 58 first selects one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set by the requirement setting means 57 based on the results held in the result data storage means (result database) 142. Extract. Then, the target data sorting means 58 presents one or more pieces of delivery information for specifying each of the extracted one or more printing conditions to the external terminal 700 in a selectable manner. Further, the target data allocating means 58 registers a print target specifying record in the continuous print list corresponding to the print conditions specified by the delivery information selected by the customer on the external terminal 700.

<2.2 Processing procedure>
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, a processing procedure from specifying submitted data to registering a print target specific record in the continuous print list will be described. Note that the processing after the print target specifying record for a plurality of page data is registered in the continuous print list (processing after step S170 in FIG. 9) is the same as in the first embodiment.

First, a screen for specifying submitted data is displayed on the external terminal 700, and the customer specifies submitted data (PDF file to be continuously printed) on the screen (step S200). The submitted data (target data) specified in step S200 is sent to the control server 100 via the Internet and stored in the page data storage means 51.

Next, a requirements input screen is displayed on the external terminal 700, and the customer sets requirements regarding printing on the requirement input screen (step S210). FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the requirement input screen 800. A requirement input screen 800 shown in FIG. 25 is provided with a submitted data display field 801 for displaying an image of target data, and a customer condition input field 802 for inputting customer conditions. The requirement input screen 800 is also provided with an OK button 808 for confirming the input contents in the customer condition input field 802, and a cancel button 809 for canceling the input contents in the customer condition input field 802. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the customer can set requirements regarding budget, delivery date, and quality in the customer condition input field 802. Further, as shown in the part with reference numeral 804, the customer condition input field 802 is provided with check boxes corresponding to each of budget, delivery date, and quality. The customer selects the checkbox corresponding to the item with the highest priority among budget, delivery date, and quality. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the budget is set as the item with the highest priority. Note that the information on the requirements set in step S210 is sent to the control server 100 via the Internet.

Next, the PDF analysis means 53 analyzes the internal data that constitutes the target data (step S220). Next, the RIP speed prediction unit 54 performs RIP processing on the target data in the control server 100, and predicts the RIP speed and RIP time for each sheet based on the result (step S230). Next, the ink consumption amount prediction unit 55 predicts the ink consumption amount for each ink color (step S240). The processing in steps S220 to S240 is performed for each printing condition, similar to the processing in steps S120 to S140 in the first embodiment.

Next, the target data distribution means 58 satisfies the requirements set in step S210 from among the printing conditions prepared in this printing system based on the results held in the result data storage means (result database) 142. Filtering is performed to extract only printing conditions (step S250).

Next, the target data sorting means 58 displays an output destination selection screen on the external terminal 700 for the customer to select printing conditions to be adopted for actual printing processing from among the printing conditions extracted in step S250 ( Step S260). FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the output destination selection screen 810. The output destination selection screen 810 includes a delivery information display column 811 that displays delivery information when each printing condition is adopted. One line in the delivery information display column 811 is delivery information corresponding to one printing condition (output destination). In the example shown in FIG. 26, output samples, prices, and supply dates are presented as delivery information. Further, an OK button 819 is provided in each row of the delivery information display field 811. That is, the customer can select delivery information using this OK button 819. Note that the display order in the delivery information display field 811 is determined by considering the item set to the highest priority on the requirement input screen 800. As described above, in step S260, one or more pieces of delivery information for respectively specifying one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in step S210 are presented on the external terminal 700 in a selectable manner.

Next, the customer presses the OK button 819 corresponding to any delivery information on the output destination selection screen 810 (step S270). That is, the printing conditions (output destination) to be adopted in the actual printing process are selected.

Finally, the target data allocating means 58 registers a print target specifying record in the continuous print list corresponding to the print conditions specified by the delivery information selected by the customer on the external terminal 700 (step S280).

In this embodiment, step S200 implements the page data specification step, step S210 implements the requirement setting step, step S220 implements the page data analysis step, and steps S230 and S240 implement the RIP simulation step. The target data distribution step is realized through steps S250 to S280.

<2.3 Effects>
According to this embodiment, a customer (a person who requests printing from a printing company) can set customer conditions regarding budget, delivery date, quality, etc. when requesting printing. Then, a simulation of RIP processing is performed on the target data (a PDF file that the customer has requested to print) under a plurality of preset printing conditions. Based on the simulation results, printing conditions that satisfy the set customer conditions are extracted, and delivery information for specifying the extracted printing conditions is presented to the customer in a selectable manner. Then, a record specifying the target data (print target specifying record) is registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the print condition specified by the delivery information selected by the customer. That is, when continuous printing is performed under a plurality of printing conditions, the printing process is executed under the printing conditions that can satisfy the customer's requests, taking into consideration the ink consumption amount, the operating status of each inkjet printing device 300, etc. It becomes possible to do so. Here, since the printing conditions are determined by the customer using the external terminal 700, there is no burden on the user (the printing company worker). As described above, in this embodiment as well, in a printing system that performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions, continuous printing in a suitable order that satisfies each customer's request can be realized without any burden on the user.

<3. Others＞
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (including modified examples), and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, a printing system including a plurality of inkjet printing apparatuses 300 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a printing system including only one inkjet printing device 300, as long as the inkjet printing device 300 performs continuous printing under a plurality of printing conditions.

51...Page data storage means 52...Page data specification means 53...PDF analysis means 54...RIP speed prediction means 55...Ink consumption prediction means 56...Result display control means 57...Requirement setting means 58...Target data distribution means 59...Continuous Print list storage means 60...Record sorting means 100...Control server 200,200(1) to 200(3)...Execution server 300,300(1) to 300(3)...Inkjet printing device 700...External terminal 800...Requirements Input screen 810...Output destination selection screen

Claims (12)

A printing method in a printing system that continuously prints multiple page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
a record sorting step of sorting the records registered in the continuous print list;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step of executing continuous printing processing including printing processing that has been performed ;
In the RIP simulation step, a RIP speed is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
In the record sorting step, the continuous printing process for the group of page data in the continuous printing execution step is performed in order of decreasing RIP speed, or the continuous printing process for the group of page data is performed based on the average RIP speed. A printing method characterized in that the sorting is performed based on the RIP speed corresponding to each record so that the RIP speed that is closer to the average RIP speed is performed first and the one that is farther from the average RIP speed is performed later . 1 . In the target data sorting step, a continuous print list to which the record is registered is determined from among continuous print lists corresponding to printing conditions that provide a RIP speed higher than a print speed . Printing method described in. A printing method in a printing system that continuously prints multiple page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step of executing continuous printing processing including printing processing that has been performed ;
In the RIP simulation step, a RIP speed is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
A printing method characterized in that, in the target data distribution step, a continuous print list to which the record is registered is determined from among continuous print lists corresponding to printing conditions that allow a RIP speed higher than a print speed to be obtained. The target data distribution step is
a printing condition extraction step of extracting one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirement setting step from among the plurality of printing conditions;
Claims 1 to 3 include a record registration step of registering the record in a continuous print list corresponding to one of the one or more printing conditions extracted in the printing condition extraction step. The printing method according to any one of the above . In the requirement setting step, priority is set for the requirements,
If two or more printing conditions are extracted in the printing condition extraction step, the record registration step selects one or more continuous printing lists corresponding to the two or more printing conditions, taking into consideration the priority of the requirements. 5. The printing method according to claim 4 , wherein a continuous print list to which the record is registered is determined. In the RIP simulation step, the ink consumption amount for each ink color is determined as the simulation result data for each printing condition,
In the requirement setting step, budget requirements are set as printing requirements,
In the target data distribution step, for each printing condition, the price and the requirement settings are calculated based on a predetermined coefficient for each ink color and the ink consumption amount for each ink color determined in the RIP simulation step. 6. According to any one of claims 1 to 5 , it is determined whether or not the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied by comparing the budget set in the step with the budget set in the step. Printing method described. Schedule information for each printing condition is retained,
In the requirement setting step, requirements regarding delivery date are set as requirements regarding printing,
In the target data sorting step, it is determined whether or not each print condition satisfies the requirements set in the requirement setting step, based on the schedule information and the delivery date set in the requirement setting step. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that: Regarding the target data in which an error occurred during the RIP processing simulation in the RIP simulation step, the record is not registered in the continuous print list corresponding to the printing condition in which the error occurred in the target data distribution step. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that there is no. further comprising a page data analysis step of analyzing internal data constituting the target data,
For target data for which an abnormality in the internal data is found in the page data analysis step, the record is not registered in any continuous print list in the target data distribution step. The printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The printing system includes a plurality of printing machines that perform the printing process, a plurality of RIP servers that are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of printing machines and perform the RIP process, and a RIP process that performs the RIP process on the target data. Includes one simulation server that performs simulation,
10. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the one simulation server generates a continuous print list corresponding to each printing condition for each printing press. The one simulation server is connected to an external terminal via the Internet,
Specifying page data in the page data specifying step and setting requirements in the requirement setting step are performed on the external terminal,
In the target data distribution step,
one or more pieces of delivery information for respectively specifying one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirements setting step are presented on the external terminal in a selectable manner;
11. The printing method according to claim 10 , wherein the record is registered in a continuous print list corresponding to printing conditions specified by delivery information selected by the external terminal. A printing method in a printing system that continuously prints multiple page data for each printing condition,
a page data specification step of specifying page data to be subjected to continuous printing;
a requirements setting step of setting printing requirements for each target data that is the page data specified in the page data specifying step;
a RIP simulation step of simulating RIP processing on the target data under a plurality of preset printing conditions;
Based on the simulation result data for each printing condition obtained in the RIP simulation step, the target is added to the continuous print list corresponding to one of the plurality of printing conditions so that the requirements set in the requirement setting step are satisfied. a target data sorting step of registering a record that specifies the data;
For a group of page data specified by records registered in the generated continuous print list, perform RIP processing and use the print data obtained by the RIP process under the printing conditions corresponding to the generated continuous print list. a continuous printing execution step of executing continuous printing processing including printing processing that has been performed ;
The printing system includes a simulation server that performs a simulation of RIP processing on the target data,
The simulation server is connected to an external terminal via the Internet,
Specifying page data in the page data specifying step and setting requirements in the requirement setting step are performed on the external terminal,
In the target data distribution step,
one or more pieces of delivery information for respectively specifying one or more printing conditions that satisfy the requirements set in the requirements setting step are presented on the external terminal in a selectable manner;
The record is registered in a continuous print list corresponding to printing conditions specified by delivery information selected on the external terminal,
A printing method , wherein the delivery information includes a price and a date on which the printed matter is provided .

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